Can I make this dish without a broiler?

Absolutely! You can roast the asparagus and tofu in a 425°F oven for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through. The miso sauce can be prepared on the stovetop as directed, then tossed with the roasted ingredients during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Is there a substitute for miso paste if I can't find it?

While miso's unique flavor is difficult to replicate exactly, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon soy sauce mixed with 1 teaspoon tahini and a pinch of sugar. You'll miss some complexity, but will still achieve a savory, umami-rich sauce.

How do I know when asparagus is perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked asparagus should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork, but still have a slight bite to it. It should be vibrant green – if it turns dull or olive-colored, it's overcooked.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Most miso pastes contain some soy and grains like rice or barley. For a gluten-free version, ensure you're using certified gluten-free miso (usually made with just rice) and check that your sake and mirin are also gluten-free varieties.

Miso-Chile Asparagus With Tofu Recipe

Name: Miso-Chile Asparagus With Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 (14- to 16-ounce) block firm tofu, well drained; 1 pound asparagus (about 1 bunch), trimmed; 3 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil (such as grapeseed or peanut oil); Salt; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; ½ teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more for serving; 2 tablespoons white or light miso; 1 tablespoon sake (or use white wine or vermouth); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon mirin; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; Sliced scallions; Optional: Additional red-pepper flakes

This Miso-Chile Asparagus With Tofu is a flavor explosion that comes together in just 25 minutes. The combination of savory miso, spicy chile flakes, and caramelized asparagus creates a dish that tastes like it took hours to develop those complex flavors. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you want something quick yet impressive – simple enough for Monday night but delicious enough for weekend dinner guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Satisfying: From prep to plate in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need a nutritious meal fast.
Balanced Flavors: The umami-rich miso perfectly complements the slight bitterness of asparagus, while chile flakes add just the right amount of heat.
Protein-Packed: Tofu absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce while providing a hearty plant-based protein that keeps you full.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks on a single sheet pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor as the ingredients caramelize together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Firm Tofu: The protein canvas of our dish – it soaks up the miso glaze beautifully. Make sure to drain it well to achieve that perfect crispy exterior.
Asparagus: Spring’s favorite vegetable brings a fresh, slightly grassy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory miso. Choose stalks of similar thickness for even cooking.
Neutral Oil: Acts as the cooking medium without overpowering the delicate flavors. Grapeseed or peanut oil works perfectly here.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth that forms the foundation of our sauce. Fresh is always best!
Red Pepper Flakes: Brings that essential heat that cuts through the richness of the miso. Adjust according to your spice preference.
White Miso: The star ingredient providing savory umami that transforms this simple dish into something special. Don’t substitute with darker miso varieties which can be too intense.
Sake: Adds complexity and helps tenderize the tofu. Don’t worry about the alcohol—it cooks off, leaving only flavor behind.
Rice Vinegar: Provides essential acidity that balances the rich miso and brightens the entire dish.
Mirin: This sweet Japanese cooking wine adds depth and a subtle sweetness that rounds out the sauce.
Sesame Oil: Just a touch adds that distinctive nutty flavor that’s characteristic of East Asian cuisine.
Scallions: Adds a fresh, oniony bite and beautiful color contrast as a finishing touch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Vegetable Swaps

Try this same sauce with broccoli florets, green beans, or brussels sprouts when asparagus isn’t in season. Each vegetable brings its own character to the dish while still working beautifully with the miso glaze.

Protein Options

Not a tofu fan? Substitute with cubed chicken breast, shrimp, or even meaty mushrooms like king oyster or portobello for a different but equally delicious protein option.

Heat Level Adjustments

For a milder version, reduce the red pepper flakes and add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce. For fire-lovers, add a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chile paste) to the miso mixture.

Noodle Addition

Transform this into a complete one-dish meal by tossing the finished asparagus and tofu with cooked soba or udon noodles, adding a splash of the cooking water to extend the sauce.

How to Make Miso-Chile Asparagus With Tofu

Step 1: Prep the Tofu and Oven

Preheat your broiler with the rack positioned about 6 inches from the heat source. For easier cleanup, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes, then thoroughly dry them using clean kitchen towels or paper towels – this is crucial for achieving crispy edges!

Step 2: Season and Arrange

Place the asparagus and tofu cubes on your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil, toss gently to coat everything, and arrange in a single layer. Season lightly with salt, remembering that miso will add saltiness later.

Step 3: Broil First Side

Slide the pan under the broiler and broil until the asparagus and tofu begin to brown in spots, about 3-6 minutes. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the asparagus, creating deeper flavor.

Step 4: Flip and Continue Broiling

Carefully flip both the tofu and asparagus, then continue broiling until the asparagus is tender and the tofu develops those delicious browned spots, another 3-7 minutes. Thicker asparagus will need more time than thin spears.

Step 5: Prepare the Miso-Chile Sauce

While everything broils, make your sauce. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and heat until shimmering. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking just until fragrant – about 30-60 seconds. Turn off the heat and whisk in the miso, sake, rice vinegar, mirin, and sesame oil until smooth.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

Remove the pan from the oven and drizzle the miso mixture over the asparagus and tofu. Return to the broiler for a final 30 seconds to 2 minutes, watching carefully until the sauce bubbles and creates a beautiful glaze. The sugars in the mirin and miso will caramelize quickly, so don’t walk away!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer everything to a serving platter, sprinkle with sliced scallions and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Serve while hot or warm for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Tofu Texture: For extra-firm tofu, press it between paper towels with a heavy book on top for 30 minutes before cooking.
Watch Your Broiler: Broilers vary widely in intensity. On your first attempt, check every minute to prevent burning.
Sauce Consistency: If your miso sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it slightly for easier spreading.
Asparagus Selection: Choose asparagus spears of similar thickness so they cook evenly. Pencil-thin spears will cook much faster than thick ones.
Miso Storage: After opening, store miso paste in the refrigerator with a piece of plastic wrap directly on its surface to prevent drying out – it’ll keep for months and is amazing in soups, dressings, and marinades.

How to Serve

Main Course Pairings

This dish stands perfectly on its own as a light meal, but for heartier appetites, serve it over steamed short-grain rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.

Side Dish Suggestions

If serving as a side, pair with miso soup and a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds for a Japanese-inspired meal.

Garnish Options

Beyond scallions, try topping with toasted sesame seeds, shredded nori, or a sprinkle of Japanese seven-spice blend (shichimi togarashi) for added texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making this dish sometimes even better the second day!

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the asparagus will become mushy and the tofu will change texture significantly when thawed.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the tofu rubbery and the asparagus soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this dish without a broiler?

Absolutely! You can roast the asparagus and tofu in a 425°F oven for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through. The miso sauce can be prepared on the stovetop as directed, then tossed with the roasted ingredients during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Is there a substitute for miso paste if I can’t find it?

While miso’s unique flavor is difficult to replicate exactly, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon soy sauce mixed with 1 teaspoon tahini and a pinch of sugar. You’ll miss some complexity, but will still achieve a savory, umami-rich sauce.
How do I know when asparagus is perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked asparagus should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork, but still have a slight bite to it. It should be vibrant green – if it turns dull or olive-colored, it’s overcooked.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Most miso pastes contain some soy and grains like rice or barley. For a gluten-free version, ensure you’re using certified gluten-free miso (usually made with just rice) and check that your sake and mirin are also gluten-free varieties.

Final Thoughts

This Miso-Chile Asparagus With Tofu recipe proves that weeknight cooking doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming. In less than 30 minutes, you can create a dish with complex flavors that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant. The combination of caramelized asparagus, crispy-edged tofu, and that savory-spicy miso glaze is truly something special. Whether you’re looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your rotation or just want something different for dinner tonight, give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!